ENCHANTED: BEST OF

Since the 1980s, arranger and producer Robert Gass and heavenly chorale group On Wings of Song have created music to blissfully space out to. A compilation of the best tracks from their second decade of collaboration, Enchanted highlights the peaceful sounds of the chorale performing Gregorian, Native American, and Hindu chants with very subtle accompaniment from harp, hand percussion, flute, and acoustic guitar. Ironically the standout piece, "Beyond the Beyond (Heart of Perfect Wisdom)," focuses on Tibetan-style overtone chanting, the droning vocals representing a sharp but welcome contrast to the other songs. The inclusion of harp, guitar, flute, and bells on this track is as surreptitious as anywhere on the album, tastefully adding flavor to a beguiling soundscape. Some listeners may find the delicate songs on Enchanted to be a little too homogenous in terms of dynamics and atmosphere, but they can provide soothing sanctuary when needed. --Bryan Reesman